Authorities are beefing up patrols to make sure the big crowd buzzing at the 152nd Mississippi State Fair is safe.

Jackson police said they are patrolling outside the fairgrounds, while Hinds County sheriff's deputies patrol inside to ensure safety and that parents and their children don't get separated.

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Vicksburg resident Andrea Taylor said she remembered what happened at the state fair last year when her 4-year-old son went out of her sight.

State Fair Food Offers Variety

"We were panicking. He had actually gotten on the Ferris wheel by himself," Taylor said. "He was gone for, like, 20 minutes, (and) we were frantically looking. All the police officers were very helpful, but he finally showed up after he was done riding."

Lt. Jeffery Scott, of the Hinds County Sheriff's Department, said the lost-and-found trailer last year looked like a day care center.

"If they don't know Mommy and Daddy's phone number, make sure that they do. Now, if they don't, write that information down on a piece of paper and put it in their pocket," Scott said.

The sheriff's department said deputies will be out in full force, breaking off into beats to keep an eye on things, but fair-goers need to travel smart.

"Just bring the amount of money that you need. You don't need two or three purses to come down here," Scott said.

Food vendors said they are keeping their money count low to play it safe.

"The money's collected daily, through the day, all day long," said Wade Walker, of A and W Concessions.

Fairgrounds safety officer Danny Stegall said he patrols the area, while working with American Medical Response and deputies to respond to calls for help.

"Trip hazards are our biggest thing. People come down here excited. They're looking at all the lights and the excitement of the fair and they're just not paying attention and they'll step on some of the cords," Stegall said.

"The fairground is a large place, so you need to wear the correct shoes. Flip-flops are out (because the) asphalt's hard, (so) wear some comfortable shoes," said AMR's Chuck Lavender.

After last year's ordeal, Taylor said she's not taking any chances this year.

"On our way over here, we were talking about our buddy system. We always park in the same place," Taylor said.